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Visitor
Activities
Nature
 The
country's natural attractions, wildlife and reputation for
enlightened conservation draw tourists from all over the
world, and the ticos know it. Successive governments have
made a real effort to preserve the country's image as an
ecotourism heaven, making Costa Rica one of the best places
to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.
Copious rainfall has endowed Costa Rica with an abundance
of rivers, but surprisingly, there are very few lakes. Nearly
all the country’s rivers begin in the mountains, where many
are frothy white water routes perfect for rafting and kayaking.
Once those rivers flow into the lowlands, however, they
become languid waterways, many of which are lined with verdant
walls of vegetation. Those lowland rivers are excellent
routes for small boat trips, which allow passengers to observe
some of the local flora and fauna.
Birdwatching
 Costa
Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers, but
many people who would never consider the activity at home
quickly have become interested in the country's spectacular
avian diversity.
With almost 850 species of birds -more than total of what
North America has- packed into an area half the size of
Kentucky, it’s hard not to become enthused about the variety
of feathered creatures one encounters in Costa Rica. And
the country’s travel agencies can provide experienced nature
guides who make any bird watching expedition an educational
experience.
Golf
Because of its topography, fauna, flora and weather Costa
Rica is a golf paradise. There are 3.000 people who practice
this sport and 8 international first class fields in the
country. These are:
Cariari Country Club
Costa Rica Country Club
Valle del Sol
Centro Campero Los Reyes
Meliá Conchal
Marriott Los Sueños
Los Defines
Royal Pacific
Horseback
Riding
Opportunities abound to go horseback riding almost everywhere
in Costa Rica, and climbing onto the horse’s back, can be
a wonderful way to spice up your vacation.
The choice of horseback excursions ranges from morning trail
rides taking you into the mountains above San Jose, which
brings you back to your hotel in after lunch, up to all-day
expeditions through the rain forest.
Cultural
Touring
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its
racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been
European, which is reflected in everything from the official
language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's
churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence
is less visible, but can be found in everything from the
tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal,
to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.
Diving
Costa Rica's underwater wonders range from coastal coral
reefs to offshore islands. Diving can be great any month
of the year. Visibility can vary from 40 to 80 feet the
same day on different dives. This is primarily due to the
abundance of plankton that thrive in the tropical waters,
and is the principal reason for the varied pelagic marine
life that can be seen on each dive. Swarms of schooling
fish, sharks, eagle, manta, and golden rays along with sightings
of turtles is synonymous with Costa Rica diving.
Surfing
Costa Rica already has quite a reputation among surfers,
who are drawn there from near and far by the quality and
consistency of its waves. Though the country gets plenty
of the big waves that true surf fanatics live for, there
are also days and spots that are perfect for people who
have little experience with the sport, or who have been
away from the ocean for a long time, and would like to try
it again. This means that whether you're a veteran wave
ripper or a belly-boarding beginner, you can usually find
the conditions you need to have a great time.
With 755 miles of coastline on two oceans, Costa Rica has
more breaks than you can shake a stick at. The country's
selection of surf spots range from idyllic beach breaks
to coral platforms where the water leaps up and tubes like
a miniature Pipeline.
Fishing
Costa Rica is an angler's dream come true. The country's
Pacific ports and beach resorts provide access to some of
the best deep sea fishing in the world, while the canals
and rivers of the northern Atlantic coast feature world-class
snook and tarpon fishing. Billfish are the country’s major
attraction, with abundant sailfish and marlin off the Pacific
coast, but the fishermen also hook plenty of other feisty
fighters, such as wahoo and roosterfish. Though deep sea
fishing is the country's forte, chances are also good of
fishing in Arenal Lake and the larger rivers of the Northern
Zone, where anglers can fight with small but ornery guapotes,
hump-backed fishes known in English as rainbow basses.
Rafting
Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall
are both responsible for one of the best white water river
choices in the world. Experienced rafting outfitters regularly
run about half a dozen of rambunctious rivers, and those
river trips not only provide plenty of excitement, but also
allow enjoying gorgeous scenery. Not only do white water
enthusiasts flock Costa Rica, including several Olympic
kayaking teams, but every year tens of thousands of visitors
experience here the thrill of rafting for the first time.
Windsurfing
The Trade winds blow across Costa Rica with incredible force
and consistency during the dry months, creating windsurfing
conditions in the country’s northwest corner.
The western end of Arenal Lake is one of the world’s premier
windsurfing spots, having been compared to Italy’s Garda
Lake and the Columbia River Gorge.
During the dry season, the wind speed averages 33 miles
an hour, a speed that only experienced windsurfers can handle.
As the gale increases, the lake’s surface becomes choppy,
and expert surfers use the waves to jump high into the air.
Sea
Kayaking
Paddling a kayak on the open ocean can be an exciting way
to experience Costa Rica's marine and coastal wonders, and
several companies offer sea kayaking tours along different
parts of the Pacific coast. Sea kayaking is much easier
than river kayaking, and people who have never tried this
sport before, can make most of the trips.
Costa
Rica Attractions
Alajuela
Province
Cathedral, Alajuela
This chuch's ornate red dome is the centerpiece of its town
square.
Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria, Alajuela
An interesting colonial building houses this museum dedicated
to the heroic deeds of Juan Santamaria.
Parque Juan Santamaria, Alajuela
A park dedicated to the national hero who lost his life
during the 1856 invasion of Costa Rica by William Walker.
Zoo Ave, Alajuela
While educating the public about local wildlife, this zoo
also breeds endangered animals for eventual release to the
wild.
Guanacaste
Barra Honda National Park, Nicoya
This park is best known for its well-preserved limestone
caves.
Nicoya Peninsula, Nicoya
Beach
Curu National Wildlife Refuge, Nicoya
Privately owned, this refuge has excellent birding and wildlife
watching.
Church of La Ermita La Agonia, Liberia
This church was completed in 1865 and is now a museum.
Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park
This 1,633 meter volcano has been rumbling and spewing since
1969.
Catarata La Fortuna, La Fortuna
This 700-meter waterfall has natural pools for swimming
at its base.
Venado Caves, Arenal Volcano National Park
These limestone caves were formed 15-20 million years ago.
La Fortuna Canopy Tour, La Fortuna
A 40-minute horseback ride leads to 4 platforms over the
jungle.
Garra de Leon Golf Course, Playa Conchal
Las Baulas National Marine Park, Playa Grande
This park supports the Pacific Ocean's largest nesting colony
of leatherback turtles.
Rancho Las Colinas Golf Club, Playa Grande
Limon
Cahuita National Park, Cahuita
This coastal park contains white sandy beaches and coral
reefs.
Puerto Viejo Beach, Puerto Viejo
This public beach is popular with surfers.
Cartago
Our Lady of the Angels Basilica (Basilica de Nuestra Senora
de Los Angeles), Cartago
This church is best known for the 1635 appearance of the
country's patron saint, the Black Virgin. An annual pilgimage
takes place in August.
Tapanti National Park, Orosi
Only an hour's drive from San Jose, this dense rainforest
remains largely obscure.
Osa
Sirena Ranger Station, Corcovado National Park
Tourist/visitor center
Heredia
Cafe Britt Coffee Tour, Heredia
The most popular local brand of coffee is produced at this
farm, where you can learn the whole history of coffee.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Heredia
Trails wind through a rainforest filled with birds, butterflies
and flowers.
La
Fortuna
Catarata La Fortuna, La Fortuna
This 700-meter waterfall has natural pools for swimming
at its base.
La Fortuna Canopy Tour, La Fortuna
A 40-minute horseback ride leads to 4 platforms over the
jungle.
Puntarenas
Ranario, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Twenty-six species of frogs and toads are collected in terrariums.
Isla Tortuga, Puntarenas
This state-owned island is leased to a Costa Rican family
that leads tours.
Reserva Biologica Carara, Puntarenas
A coastal rain forest park.
Canopy Safari, Quepos
A series of platforms 200 feet above the ground provide
a good appreciation of the jungle.
San
Jose
Parque Zoologico Nacional Simon Bolivar, San Jose
This modest zoo provides an introduction to some of the
amazing diversity of the country.
National Theater (Teatro Nacional), San Jose
Since 1897, this elegant theater has been a source of pride.
National Museum (Museo Nacional), San Jose
This 19th-century building contains a well-organized exhibits
on Costa Rica's history and culture.
Jade Museum (Museo Nacional del Jade), San Jose
This famous museum houses the world's largest collection
of American jade.
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), San Jose
A large collection of indigenous gold art.
Plaza de la Cultura, San Jose
Downtown's main plaza often hosts celebrations, demonstrations,
performances, etc.
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden, San Jose
30 species of butterflies flutter around this magical garden.
Central Market (Mercado Central), San Jose
This collection of stalls and restaurants contains the country's
first ice cream vendor.
Serpentarium, San Jose
A collection of snakes and lizards.
Central Bank (Banco Central), San Jose
This modern bank building is bordered by a popular plaza.
Metropolitan Church (Catedral Metropolitana), San Jose
The interior of this 1871 church is far more interesting
than the neoclassic exterior.
Correos de Costa Rica, San Jose
This 1917 building stands out from its bland surroundings.
Central Park (Parque Central), San Jose
A simple square with a gazebo donated by former Nicaraguan
dictator Anastasio Somoza.
Parque Espana, San Jose
This park is one of the capital's most pleasant spots.
National Park (Parque Nacional), San Jose
This tropical park is popular during the day but best avoided
at night.
El Pueblo, San Jose
San Jose's nightlife is concentrated in this complex made
to look like an old Spanish village.
Melia Cariari Golf Course, San Jose
This designer championship golf course on the grounds of
the Melia Cariari Hotel was Central America’s first. Pro
and amateur events are held here regularly.
Parque La Sabana, San Jose
The city's largest park.
Museo de Arte Costarricense, San Jose
This museum displays works by local artists. |
